22/04/2023
DAY 1 – April 22
St. Joseph, Model of the Life of Faith
REFLECTION
The words of the great Apostle: "The just man liveth by faith," may be applied particularly to Saint Joseph who was the most just of men and whose life was ever guided by faith. Joseph submitted his intelligence to the holy truths of religion. He applied his heart from his tenderest infancy to the observance of the divine precepts.
In the trials and sorrows of life, Joseph was sustained by faith. He shaped his whole conduct by the desire to please God and he attained the great aim of man upon earth, which is to adore God, to serve Him, and hence to deserve the everlasting Truth.
Let us glorify this great Servant of God who possessed a faith so universal, so simple, so enlightened, so firm, so constant, and, above all, so fruitful in good works. Let us examine ourselves with regard to this great virtue and see how we resemble him.
Is my faith firm, unshaken? Is my conduct animated by faith? Is the predominant thought that directs my acts to please God, and to obtain
merit for everlasting life? Have I tried to derive consolation and strength
from the thought of faith in time of trial?
PRAYER
0 Great Saint, model of the just living by faith, revive that virtue in our souls. May it be the principle, the motive, the aim of all my actions; my consolation and my strength in the trials of this life, and the source of abundant merit for everlasting life.
Amen
CONCLUDE WITH LITANY OF ST. JOSEPH
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, pray for us.
St. Joseph,
Renowned offspring of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster father of the Son of God,
Diligent protector of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most strong,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of artisans,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the wretched,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus.
He made him the lord of his household
And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray:
O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
